The invention provides a method for the manufacture of a gel, said method comprising the steps of: providing a matrix composition comprising a polymeric photoinitiator of the general formula (I): Polymer-[CR2—CHR-Spacer(PI)n]m (I) curing the matrix composition by exposing it to UV radiation and exposing the matrix composition to a swelling medium. The invention also relates to gels obtainable via the above method. The invention provides a hydrophilic gel precursor manufactured from the polymeric photoinitiator of Formula (I). Medical devices comprising the gels and hydrophilic gel precursors of the invention are provided. The invention also provides the use of a polymeric photoinitiator in the manufacture of a gel.